: NEW MEMBER PROFILE
PortLink
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vgeny Vdovin, founder and CEO of PortLink, provider of innovative, modular solutions for port management information systems, believes that, once you’ve seen one port, you’ve seen ONE port. And while ports around the world may share the same basic needs, the attention paid to the differences is what has seen PortLink become so successful. Vdovin and Kris English, Chief Marketing Officer, explained how an integrated port management system can result in increased efficiencies, streamlined operations, and, especially important for the age of COVID-19, a safe and secure marine community portal.
Background
As the brainchild of Vdovin, PortLink’s roots can be found in the development of a centralized operations system for the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port. Operating at that time as Altyn Consulting, Vdovin was able to apply his technical expertise to the maritime world to develop a customized port management system that optimized gateway operations. The system allowed the Port to go beyond simple awareness of the maritime domain to being able to effectively manage traffic flow and harbour operations. Vdovin quickly saw how the efficiencies and benefits being achieved in Vancouver’s Harbour could be applied to ports around the world.
Innovative maritime solutions
PortLink categorizes their systems into two main categories — Port Management Information Systems (PMIS) and Maritime Information Management Systems (MIMS). The PortLink PMIS is a modular application designed to facilitate the planning and management of port operations. Fully customizable modules allow port staff to manage berths, anchorages, pilots and tug, resources,
52 — PACIFIC PORTS — January 2021
PortLink categorizes their systems into two main categories — Port Management Information Systems (PMIS) and Maritime Information Management Systems (MIMS). vessel visits and marine events (to name just a few), from a singular, user-friendly platform that can be accessed securely by verified port stakeholders through an internet portal. Using the Port of Dover as an example, one of PortLink’s most comprehensive projects to date, English noted that roughly 400 port users now have access to real-time information via web access. “The system has streamlined operations, eliminating a significant amount of email exchanges and redundant data which is all now automated,” he said, adding that workflows were also incorporated to create even greater efficiencies. Building on the PMIS, the Maritime Information Management System layers surveillance and observation sensors along with third-party applications into a single-window display for enhanced situational awareness. “This enhancement assists users in making informed, real-time decisions that can lead to the mitigation of risks, increasing safety of life at sea, safe navigation, efficiency of vessel traffic movement, and protection of the marine environment,” said Vdovin. “With the ability to integrate more than 40 third-party applications, the system is particularly useful for harbour masters who are able to collect and analyze complex amounts of data to allow for enhanced operational efficiencies. Again, reinforcing the notion that no two ports are the same, Vdovin and
English described how their information management systems can be tailored to the needs of ports of any size. Because of the modular nature of both the PMIS and MIMS, even the smallest port can benefit. “A key component in the development of the system is the blueprinting phase,” noted English. “It’s important to understand our client’s requirements, such as their workflows and business practices, and incorporate those into the system while at the same time, using our technological experience to develop something that is effective in meeting those requirements.” Given that each port is unique in its size and needs, English estimated that projects can take anywhere from three to 18 months but noted that the relationships built with customers will often extend beyond the original contract as a port’s needs grow or operations change. While PortLink has a team of program managers, project coordinators, and system programmers who interact with clients on a daily basis, with projects spanning the globe, trusted international partners, such as Wärtsilä, (KRIS, you mentioned two other names here — one in New Zealand and one in the U.K. — I didn’t quite catch the names) have been brought in to provide local technical support and training. “Like the system itself, support and training are also tailored to the needs of
